In the heart of Northern Bed-Stuy, Winona’s—a family-owned gem founded by partners Cressida Greening and Emir Dupeyron—has unveiled a brand-new dinner menu just in time for the fall season. Executive Chef Alex Pineiro, previously with Ken Orangier’s Toro, has crafted a menu that artfully combines global influences with comforting classics, perfectly capturing the essence of autumn in every dish. The dining experience is divided between the Front Bar, a laid-back space for small bites and crafted cocktails, and the intimate Back Room, where guests can enjoy the full dinner menu.
The Front Bar features an exciting selection of shareable plates. Highlights include Croquetas with ham and béchamel, a savory tribute to Spanish culinary traditions, and Trout Dip served with house-made crackers. Fried Button Mushrooms, paired with a dill horseradish dip, are a must-try for fans of earthy flavors. For those craving heartier options, the Front Bar also offers classics like the Burger, made with a house blend of meats and topped with gruyère, onion gravy, and dijonaise. The Steak Frites—a long lasting French favorite—makes for a great side alongside the sandwich.
In the Back Room, guests can begin with shareable starters like Marinated Cucumbers with whipped ricotta and sun-dried tomatoes, or Pressed Octopus drizzled with pimentón and olive oil—both offering a refreshing contrast to the richer dishes that follow. For the main course, the Whole Roasted Striped Bass, served with scallion poblano vinaigrette and fresh herbs, offers a light yet flavorful seafood option. Other highlights include the Half Chicken Frites with chip shop curry, and the Ribeye with braised leeks and café de Paris butter—perfect for the cooler evenings soon to come this winter. For a spicy kick, the Rigatoni with eggplant tomato sauce and ricotta salata is a delicious, comforting take on Italian cuisine.
Complementing the seasonal fare is Winona’s impressive cocktail menu, which features a variety of concoctions.
Notable selections include:
- Brooklyn Spritz: a refreshing blend of forthave red aperitivo,orange, turmeric, and sparkling wine, ideal for toasting the evening.
- Sweet Maiz: a unique mix of corn-infused tequila, mezcal, amontillado, lemon, t’orgeat, and ahint of cinnamon.
- Old Hemingway: a twist on the classic cocktail that combines rum, Contratto bitter, grapefruit liqueur, and lime.
- Forest Old Fashioned: for the adventurous palate, the drink features mushroom-infused bourbon, scotch, Pedro Ximénez sherry, and chocolate bitters, crafting an unforgettable flavor profile.
Winona’s commitment to excellence extends to its acclaimed wine program, a cornerstone of the dining experience. Recently recognized with silver in the Star Wine List Awards 2024 for both ‘Best Medium Sized List’ and ‘Best Sustainable List,’ as well as Wine Spectator’s ‘Best of Award of Excellence’ in 2024, the wine program has garnered significant attention. With over 300 bottles curated from transparent and independent producers worldwide, Winona’s wine list nods to biodynamic and natural selections. Diners can expect a thoughtfully curated collection that highlights international favorites from France and Spain, alongside domestic producers.
As fall settles in, Winona’s has crafted a menu that celebrates the season’s rich flavors while encouraging guests to savor every moment. Whether you’re a regular or a first-time visitor, the new offerings are sure to delight.
